Molecular properties of cardiac tail-anchored membrane protein SLMAP are consistent with structural role in arrangement of excitation-contraction coupling apparatus

Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2005 Apr;288(4):H1810-9. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.01015.2004. Epub 2004 Dec 9.

Abstract

The spatial arrangement of the cell-surface membranes (sarcolemma and transverse tubules) and internal membranes of the sarcoplasmic reticulum relative to the myofibril is critical for effective excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in cardiac myocytes; however, the molecular determinants of this order remain to be defined. Here, we ascribe molecular and cellular properties to the coiled-coil, tail-anchored sarcolemmal membrane-associated protein (SLMAP) that are consistent with a potential role in organizing the E-C coupling apparatus of the cardiomyocyte. The expression of SLMAP was developmentally regulated and its localization was distinctly apparent at the level of the membranes involved in regulating the E-C coupling mechanism. Several SLMAP isoforms were expressed in the cardiac myocyte with unique COOH-terminal membrane anchors that could target this molecule to distinct subcellular membranes. Protein interaction analysis indicated that SLMAPs could self assemble and bind myosin in cardiac muscle. The cardiac-specific expression of SLMAP isoforms that can be targeted to distinct subcellular membranes, self assemble, and interact with the myofibril suggests a potential role for this molecule in the structural arrangement of the E-C coupling apparatus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Heart / growth & development
  • Heart / physiology
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Myocardial Contraction / physiology*
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / physiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Sarcolemma / physiology
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum / physiology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Slmap protein, mouse